Process for preparing 5 pyridyl pyridine-2 (1H)-ones

Abstract

5-Pyridinyl-6-R 2 -3-R 1 -2(1H)-pyridinones (I), where R 2 is hydrogen or lower alkyl and R 1 is a cyano, a carbamoyl or an amino group are prepared: by reaction of 1-R 2 -1-oxo-2-pyridinyl-3-dialkylaminopropane (II) with malonamide under solid-liquid or liquid-liquid phase transfer catalysis conditions to obtain 1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-6-R 2 -5-pyridinylnicotinamide (IV), or by reaction of II with cyanoacetamide under solid-liquid or liquid-liquid phase transfer catalysis conditions to obtain 1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-6-R 2 -5-pyridinylnicotinonitrile (III) and partially hydrolizing III to yield IV; finally the carbamoyl group of IV is converted to amino and 1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-6-R 2 -5-pyridinyl-3-aminopyridin-2-one are obtained.

We claim: 
     
       1. In a process for the preparation of a compound of formula ##STR3## wherein R 4  is --CN or --CONH 2 , R 2  is a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group and R 3  is a 4-, 3- or 2-pyridyl group which comprises: treating a compound of formula ##STR4## with an excess of a compound of formula: R 4  --CH 2  CONH 2  wherein the improvement comprises using a molar excess of a finely ground alkaline or alkaline earth carbonate, bicarbonate or hydroxide and tetrabutylammonium bromide at 10°-160° C. while stirring at a rate higher than 200 r.p.m.